Roc de Frausa, Les Salines

Roc de Frausa, Les Salines launches from 1,450 m near an antenna at a spot known locally as El Moixer, in the Catalan Pyrenees close to Massanet de Cabrenys, with landing down at 450 m — a genuine 1,000-meter descent that makes for a substantial flight by regional standards. The takeoff is small and technical rather than a wide-open ramp, and it only works with wind from the south, southeast or southwest, so it rewards pilots who are precise about reading the cycle before committing. Getting there means driving through Massanet de Cabrenys toward the Santuari de les Salines, then, after about 12 km, turning off to climb to the antenna at the top of the mountain — the takeoff sits right beside it. Landing is near the swimming pool in Massanet de Cabrenys, a straightforward field to spot from the air on the way down. The one hazard that matters more than any other here is the tramuntana, the strong north wind that defines weather across this part of Catalonia — it is considered genuinely dangerous at this site, and flying in it is not something local pilots do.

Launch & conditions

A small, technical takeoff beside an antenna at El Moixer, workable only with south, southeast or southwest wind.

Getting there & local rules

From Massanet de Cabrenys, take the road toward the Santuari de les Salines; after about 12 km, turn off and climb to the antenna at the summit — launch is right beside it.

Local rules & hazards

Never fly in a tramuntana — the strong north wind is considered genuinely dangerous at this site.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Roc de Frausa, Les Salines, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Roc de Frausa, Les Salines with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.